A research review to identify the factors contributing to the development of pressure ulcers in paediatric patients.
The aim of this research review was to answer the clinical question 'what factors contribute to the development of pressure ulcers in the paediatric population?' A sensitive, systematic search was undertaken to identify all empirical studies that could answer this question. The question was broken down using facet analysis to identify the key terms that were used in the search strategy. All relevant databases were searched and a hand search of key journals was also undertaken. The review found very little empirical data that could answer the question. The majority of studies focused on the paediatric intensive care (PIC) population and had small sample sizes. Some factors were identified that contributed to the development of pressure ulcers in the PIC population. All of these factors except one were related to the acuity of the child's illness. The small sample sizes and limited populations mean that these studies cannot be generalised to the whole paediatric population and there is a need for more primary research to answer the question.